Fatima Sana's valiant effort falls short as New Zealand steals a nail-biting win:

News by “Sana Ullah“

Ghulam Fatima shines with a four-wicket haul, while Fatima Sana scores an unbeaten 90 and takes two wickets. New Zealand edges past Pakistan by a single wicket to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

(Christchurch, December 15, 2023): New Zealand snatched a dramatic one-wicket victory over Pakistan in a thrilling ODI encounter at Hagley Oval on Friday evening, clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The nail-biting contest, part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, saw Fatima Sana step up in the absence of regular captain Nida Dar, showcasing both her batting and bowling prowess.

Chasing a target of 221, the White Ferns stumbled to 13/2 early on, facing the brunt of Sana’s fierce bowling. However, Suzie Bates and Maddy Green steadied the ship with a 142-run partnership, putting New Zealand back on track. Leg-spinner Ghulam Fatima, playing only her second match on the tour, disrupted the momentum with three crucial wickets, keeping Pakistan in the hunt.

With the White Ferns reeling at 53/7, Lea Tahuhu and Fran Jonas forged an unbeaten 13-run stand for the final wicket, guiding their side to victory in 48.5 overs. Earlier, Pakistan had faced their own struggles, collapsing to 35/4 after being put into bat. Natalia Parvaiz and Sana then combined for a 90-run partnership, offering a flicker of hope. Najiha Alvi also contributed a valuable 38, but ultimately, Sana’s unbeaten 90 – her highest ODI score – proved insufficient against the determined White Ferns.

For New Zealand, captain Sophie Devine celebrated her 100th ODI wicket with three scalps, while Molly Penfold and Jonas chipped in with two wickets apiece. Fatima Sana, despite her valiant effort with bat and ball, could not prevent Pakistan from falling short.

Player of the Match: Maddy Green (New Zealand)

Series Schedule: